Mangaluru, April 12: On the occasion of the Jubilee Year of the Birth of Jesus, the historic Way of the Cross devotion, which began 240 years ago on Ash Wednesday in front of the St. Josephs Church at Kalavar Pezar in the Mangalore Catholic Diocese, and has continued without interruption since then, will mark its 241st annual observance on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
This year's Way of the Cross will be held under the theme: "Pilgrims journeying in the shadow of the Holy Cross."
On that day, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, a spiritual retreat will be held, featuring reflections on the Word of God, praise and worship, and continuous intercessory prayer. At 3:00 PM. members of the Charismatic Renewal team will lead the Divine Mercy Rosary, followed at 3:30 PM by a reflection led by Rev. Fr. Clifford Fernandes, Parish Priest of Cordel Church, Kulshekar.
At 5:00 PM, the solemn Holy Mass will be celebrated by the Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the Mangalore Diocese. Following this, the historic Way of the Cross will be preached by Rev. Fr. Denis D'Sa, Parish Priest of Thottam Church from the Udupi Catholic Diocese and Public Relations Officer of the Diocese of Udupi.
Afterward, veneration will be offered to the Holy Relic of the Body of Christ. An estimated 7,000 Catholic faithful are expected to participate in the event. The entire programme will be conducted in an orderly and reverent manner, concluding by 9:00 PM. Transportation and food arrangements have been made for all devotees attending the event.
This sacred tradition of the Way of the Cross at Kalavar began 241 years ago on Ash Wednesday and continues unbroken to this day.
Fr Ronald Dsouza Parish Priest Pezar Church gave the information.
Fr Rudolph Ravi Dsa Vicar Var Pezar Deanery, Anil Peris Vice President of Parish Pastoral Parishad Pezar Church, Philomena Fernandes Secretary of Parish Pastoral Parishad Pezar Church & Pramila Peris Deanery Pastoral Parishad Secretary were present.